The Dragon Guardian (Lochguard Highland Dragons 2)

“As long as he’s not like his father, he can be any way he likes.”

Moving his hand from her belly to her back, Fergus rubbed in slow circles. Despite his gentle touch, she didn’t miss the steel in his voice when he stated, “With you as his mum, he’ll turn out well. Maybe a wee bit stubborn, but a good lad. I have no doubt.”

As she stared in Fergus’s eyes, she saw nothing but truth in them. He barely knew her, yet he had such faith in her.

Blinking back tears, she cleared her throat and managed to whisper, “Thank you.”

Her dragonman opened his mouth, but then shut it. Stepping away from her, he offered her his free arm. “Let me take you home.”

Home. It wasn’t something Gina had truly had in nearly four months, when her parents had sent her away to Scotland. Her grandmother’s cottage had been nice, but it had never had the sense of safety or comfort she associated with home, especially after her grandmother’s death. Would Gina find it on Lochguard, provided she could stay?

More than being on the run or hiding in a foreign country, Gina hated the uncertainty. Maybe if she won over Fergus’s mom and sister, they would put in a good word with Finn so she could finally have a home. “And what about Holly and Fraser? Will they be there?”

“As much as I wish I could keep my bloody brother away, he always finds a way to sneak in.”

Gina heard the love behind Fergus’s words. “At least you have a brother to annoy you. I only have a sister.”

“Females can be worse and I’m sure your parents had their hands full with you as a kid.”

“What are you implying, Fergus MacKenzie?”

He shrugged. “Oh, just that your mouth was probably washed out with soap a few times for talking back. Am I right?”

She paused and finally grunted. “Maybe.” Fergus chuckled, and the sight of the big, muscled dragonman laughing made her smile. “But soap is better than a sore bum.”

“Aye, well, Mum still had the infamous spoon. I’d be careful. Even if you’re pregnant, she might give you a few light taps if you step out of line.”

She straightened her shoulders. “I’m not worried about that. Compared to you and Fraser, I’m an angel.”

Fergus snorted. “An angel with a bite, maybe.”

She smacked his arm. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to insult a pregnant lady?”

“No, I must’ve missed those days at school. You’re out of luck, lass.”

Smiling, Gina shook her head. “I’m starting to think Scottish dragon-shifters are unique.”

“If you mean handsome, clever, and brilliant, then you’d be right.”

Fergus winked at her and Gina laughed. It was almost as if they were back in the cottage before her pains had started and changed her life forever.

Then her gaze fell to Fergus’s lips and the memory of their kiss rushed back. Maybe she should give Fergus a chance.

“Lass, my eyes are up here.”

Gina’s cheeks flushed and she met his gaze again. “Shouldn’t we be on our way? Holly probably wants to check on me before we go to your mom’s house.”

“If you’re going to live on Lochguard, lass, then you should start saying ‘mum’ instead of ‘mom.’ It has a nicer ring to it.”

“You do realize the Americans won the war against the British hundreds of years ago, right? I think that gives us the right to speak how we want.”

Fergus leaned down and whispered, “You might’ve won against the humans, but if the dragon-shifters had joined forces, you’d be saying ‘mum,’ ‘lift,’ and any other number of words.”

She raised her brows. “Someone’s a little cocky.” Fergus grinned and Gina sighed. “Fine, let’s say you’re amazing. Will that get your butt out the door any sooner?”

Fergus tapped his chin. “I may need a few more compliments to manage that.”

“I’ve hit my compliment limit for the next hour, so you’re out of luck.”